Dwyane Wade has until June 27 to decide what to do with his contract with the Chicago Bulls. The 35-year old shooting guard has a player option on his second and final year of the contract, and if he accepts it, he will stay in Chicago for one more year and be paid $23.8 million. Declining the option would mean that Wade will once again become a free agent, but it is very unlikely that he will do that.
It seems that Dwyane Wade won't go back to the Miami Heat this summer, as the recent reports indicate that he is leaning toward picking up his player option for the next season.
Even though the Bulls have their own problems, staying in Chicago would probably be the best option for Wade as he will receive nearly $24 million in what could be the last season of his glorious career.
Dwyane Wade will most likely stay in Chicago
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Dwyane Wade told the Bulls management that he doesn't want to be part of a rebuild. Since there are numerous rumors about Jimmy Butler getting traded, this could start a rebuilding process for the Bulls, and Wade made it clear that he doesn't want to be part of it.
However, he is leaning toward picking up his player option and it seems he will do it regardless of what happens with Butler or rest of the team. It is very unlikely that Dwyane Wade will stay in Chicago after the next season, so it makes a lot of sense that he wants to get his last big paycheck before he signs with another team or retires.
If Jimmy Butler leaves the team, however, Wade will have to carry them as he will probably be the best player on the roster. Considering his injuries and his age, it is doubtful if the shooting guard can still be the first option on a team, but only time will show if he can do it once again.
Wade most likely wouldn't get over $20 million from any other team, so picking up his player option would be the smart move at this point.
How good will Wade be?
Dwyane Wade was one of the best players in the NBA during his prime, but those years are over and he is in the twilight of his career. Last season, the shooting guard averaged 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, but he had to miss 22 games due to injuries.
The Bulls guard will turn 36 early next year and if Butler leaves the team, we could see him averaged 20 or more points per game once again.
However, it is questionable whether he can stay healthy and appear in at least 70 games. Wade has struggled with injuries throughout his entire career, and that is something that could be a big issue for him next season as well.
June 20 Update
Dwyane Wade will pick up his player option and return to the Chicago Bulls.
Sources: Bulls were informed by Dwyane Wade that he's picking up his option for next season. Story to come
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) June 20, 2017
